By Herb Boyd | Published November 2021
Trineice Robinson’s voice is redolent with power. She displays a forceful authority on such standards as the album’s title cut and others associated with Marvin Gaye, Natalie Cole and, most impressively, with Mahalia Jackson. Particularly daring is “Come Sunday,” where only the most intrepid vocalist would attempt Jackson’s version of Duke Ellington’s gospel classic.
But the real treat is Robinson’s own composition “If This Is Love,” which morphs smoothly into Ray Noble’s “The Very Thought Of You.” To some extent, the selection of tunes is reflective of Robinson’s thoughtful and thorough background as a musicologist and teacher. Also a gifted performer, some of those lessons are brilliantly enunciated when she scats furiously with Don Braden’s saxophone.
Whenever she blends her voice with pianist Cyrus Chestnut’s sure-fingered interpretations the results are stunning. On “Let It Shine,” there is a shout-out to Fannie Lou Hamer that once again signals her insightful social consciousness and deep immersion in the African American religious experience.
All Or Nothing: All or Nothing At All; Footprints; What’s Going On; Come Sunday; If This Is Love/The Very Thought Of You; You Taught My Heart How To Sing; La Costa; You Know Who (I Mean You); Save Your Love For Me; Let It Shine; This Little Light Of Mine. (49:35)
Personnel: Trineice Robinson, vocals; Laura Simone Martin, Lindsay Martin, background vocals; Don Braden, tenor saxophone, alto saxophone, flute; Cyrus Chestnut, piano; Kenny Davis, bass; Vince Ector, drums; Phil Orr, piano (7); Ian Kaufman, trombone; John Meko, trumpet; Nils Mossblad, tenor saxophone; Kahlil Kwame Bell, percussion; Joe “Stretch” Vinson, guitar.
Ordering Info: trineicerobinson.com
